We recently connected with Jessica Lamarre and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Jessica, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.
I decided at a very young age that I wanted to pursue entertainment. It chose me I guess. Whatever realm it was, whether dance, music or acting I always took the opportunity to perform in front of friends and family. I found freedom of expression and a strong outlet in creative arts. Growing up I was very shy. When I couldn’t find the words to say, I would dance. It proved to be a strong outlet for me. Music came to be a passion of mine because I experienced how powerful of an impact it had on people. I grew up being inspired by Micheal Jackson and I remember the feeling I would get when I watched him perform. I always knew that the creative arts was a passion for me and because I am a heart led person, I chose to pursue it. It’s fun to me and I enjoy it. The decision to pursue it wasn’t a hard one but I was very shocked by all the obstacles I had to face being in this industry.
Jessica, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Hi my name is Jessica Lamarre and I am a professional Music Artist, Dancer and Yoga teacher. I got my start in the business through my passion for dance. I started training at the young age of three in various styles. Dance introduced me to the expressive and creative sides of myself. I soon realized, through volunteering to sing Mariah Carey song “Hero” at my 5th grade graduation that I had the ability to sing. It was confirmed through a crying audience in response to my singing. That moment awakened a desire to use music as a tool to make a positive difference in peoples lives. I got an early start in Detroit, singing in girl groups and dancing professionally for various artists. I am from Detroit Motown city but after exploring opportunities in Detroit for some time, I got the itch to move to the city of Angels, Los Angeles. I took a risk, making the move on my own to the city of angels with no plan, just a desire to take my career to the next level.
Currently living in LA now, I have continued my dancing career, dancing background for Charlie Wilson and working on my solo music career. In 2019 I released my first ever solo EP called “Phases Of”. This EP is themed with songs that speak on the many phases of love we as human experience in relationships. After coming out of a tumultuous relationship myself, this EP was a therapeutic experience for me that I’m sure others can relate to. My intention behind creative expression is to use my gifts to uplift and inspire others.
With the music industry being a tough career I found a sense of balance in practicing Yoga. During the pandemic I had the opportunity to get my 200 hour Yoga teaching certificate. Months after, I started teaching Yoga Sculpt. Yoga is an amazing practice that not only benefits me physically but also forces me to breath, which brings a lot of clarity and peace. Yoga helps with balancing the harsh industry.
What I have discovered over time is that I have a passion for performing. Whether it’s music, dance, acting or being in front of my yoga students. My love for entertaining no matter the hardships, still remains. My goal is to continue to use the gifts that God gave me to inspire, uplift and entertain the world.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
An important lesson I had to unlearn was the belief that I should limit myself to only one gift. I used to think that I had to focus all my time and effort on just one of my talents, while neglecting the others, based on the advice I received when I was pursuing entertainment at a young age. This mindset caused me to struggle for many years, as I confined myself to a narrow scope and missed out on numerous opportunities.
Music was a significant pursuit for me, and I hesitated to explore different avenues within the entertainment industry, such as dance gigs, even when I felt the desire to do so. Over time, I realized the importance of embracing all aspects of myself and celebrating the diversity of my talents. I am proud to have overcome this limitation and to now fully embrace all of my passions. My ultimate goal is to always remain true to my authentic self, without restricting myself from pursuing any of my passions.
I draw inspiration from artists who have successfully expanded their brand and are celebrated for their multifaceted talents. By recognizing that I never know which gift will open doors for me first, I have adopted a mindset of welcoming all opportunities that align with my passions. This approach allows me to explore and grow in various areas, empowering me to live a more fulfilling and enriched life.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
As the music industry undergoes rapid evolution, artists are discovering more efficient ways to connect with their audience through social media and the internet. There are numerous simple actions that individuals can take to support artists, like myself, without any cost and with minimal time investment. Engaging in activities such as following, commenting, sharing posts, and subscribing to YouTube channels can have a significant impact on artists and creatives.
Each of us has our unique ecosystem and community on social media through which we express ourselves. A simple share has the potential to be immensely powerful in spreading the word and reaching a broader audience. Nowadays, artists can experience sudden success and go viral, thanks to the power of social media platforms. The success of numerous thriving artists is a testament to the effectiveness of these channels in amplifying their reach.
The rise of independent artists is becoming increasingly prevalent due to the communities that can be fostered between artists and consumers. These connections enable artists to build their fan base, share their work directly, and cultivate a loyal following.
By actively engaging with and supporting artists on social media and online platforms, society can play a crucial role in supporting artist and creatives.
Contact Info:
- Website: jesslamarre.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/its_jesslove?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialjesslove?mibextid=eQY6cl
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JessLove
Image Credits
Alan Richard, Dennis Mckinnie